What does total dissolved solids (TDS) measure?

Total dissolved solids (TDS) measures the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances that are dissolved in water. This includes essential minerals, salts, and other compounds that contribute to the overall water quality. TDS is an important parameter because it can affect water taste, clarity, and biological activity in aquatic environments. High TDS levels may indicate the presence of pollutants or excessive minerals, which can potentially affect both human health and ecological systems.

Understanding TDS is vital in various applications, from evaluating drinking water quality to assessing the health of lakes and rivers. It provides insight into overall water composition and potential impacts that dissolved substances may have on living organisms and water usability.

Other choices refer to specific measurements or characteristics of water quality rather than the complete range of dissolved substances. Concentration of microorganisms pertains to biological assessments, dissolved oxygen levels focus on aquatic health, and heavy metals address specific contaminants rather than the broader scope covered by TDS.